RB, I don't know anyone who could possibly disagree with the subject of the published article you have rendered here. I am certainly not technically competent to debate the specific issue and I really don't think you are either.
I do believe that if you ask the company directly why they are pioneering a new method to liberate the precious metals from the slag they will tell you. In fact, I think that question has bee answered to a large degree in the SEC filings in the past. Including the efforts that have failed to produce results and why.
Those who are interested in learning the present status of the processing development work can attend the annual meeting and did as deep as you want into the motives and progress that is being made.
Much Luck and Good Fortune and keep up the research. There are times when it can actually be useful.